Social Worker, Child Development​/Support

Location: Bury, UK
Pay Rate: £40.00 per hour
Contract Type: Locum
Contract Length: Ongoing
Working Pattern: Part Time / Full Time

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join Bury Council’s Children’s Services
. This ongoing locum position offers a competitive £40.00 per hour and the flexibility of part-time or full-time working
.

You will play a critical role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of looked after children
, ensuring care planning is robust, timely, outcome-focused, and fully compliant with statutory requirements. This is a high-impact role where your professional judgement, challenge, and leadership will directly influence children’s life chances.

Part Time / Full Time: Choose a working pattern that fits your lifestyle and commitments.

Hourly Pay: Earn £40.00 per hour, giving you flexibility and control over your income.

Professional Development: Access ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your career.

Multi-Agency Working: Build strong professional networks across health, education, and partner agencies.

Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a flexible role that supports a healthy balance between work and personal life.

Meaningful Impact: Play a key role in improving outcomes for looked after children.

Chair statutory Looked After Children (LAC) reviews in line with legislation and Bury Council procedures.

Ensure care plans are child-focused, outcome-driven, legally compliant
, and promote permanence and wellbeing.

Monitor and evaluate the local authority’s performance between reviews to ensure children’s needs are being met.

Ensure the child’s wishes and feelings are central to all planning and decision-making.

Provide independent oversight and professional challenge to drive high standards of practice.

Use dispute resolution and escalation processes when necessary to safeguard children.

Coordinate multi-agency participation in reviews, including health, education, and other professionals.

Work closely with children, families, carers, and professionals to improve care planning and outcomes.

Oversee care plans, permanence planning, placement stability
, and quality of interventions.

Maintain accurate and timely records and review documentation on the council’s system.

Contribute to quality assurance, service improvement, and development across Children’s Services.

Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work
.

Registered with Social Work England
.

Significant post-qualifying experience in Children’s Social Care
.

Strong experience working with Looked After Children, Child Protection, and Permanence Planning
.

In-depth knowledge of the Children Act 1989 & 2004, IRO Handbook, and relevant regulations
.

Proven ability to chair complex meetings and work effectively in a multi-agency environment
.

Confidence in providing professional challenge and escalation when required.

Bury offers a fantastic combination of strong community spirit, excellent transport links to Manchester, vibrant markets, and a great quality of life
. It’s a brilliant place to develop your career while making a real difference to children and families.